PRU secondary teacher endorses Home Access programme

The government's plan to ensure every child in England has access to a home computer and internet has been commended by the headteacher of a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU).

Stuart Bailey, headteacher at the Parkside Pupil Referral Unit, Suffolk, which caters to the academic needs of 13 to 16-year-olds who have been excluded from mainstream schooling, claims computer access can be key to boosting children's educational opportunities.

He commented: "Youngsters who've got internet access at home and use technology at home are much more confident when they come to school.

"They're able to see the use for their coursework, for their learning and general IT opportunities."

He added that in his experience as a secondary teacher, he has observed that young people who do not have internet access at home tend to have less faith in their educational abilities.

Government agency Becta recently claimed that the Home Access plan, which will provide laptops and broadband access to some of the UK's poorest households, will result in improved grades for many pupils.